Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: December | Volume: 9 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 217-231
Maternal Socio-Economic Status, Complementary Feeding Practices and Nutrition Status of Children Ages 6-23 Months in Kuria West, Migori County, Kenya
Lennah Nyatichi Nyakundi1, Peter Chege2, Irene Ogada3
1MSc Student, 2Senior Lecturer,
Department of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, Kenyatta University, P.O. Box 43844-00100 Nairobi.
3Senior Lecturer, Department of Human Nutrition, St. Francis Xavier University, P.O. Box 5000 Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2W5.
Corresponding Author: Lennah Nyatichi Nyakundi
ABSTRACT
The nutrition status, health and survival of children 6-23 months of age are enhanced when fed in accordance with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) feeding recommendations. Gender disparities in socio-economic status of women contribute to high rate of morbidity and mortality of infants and children of ages 6-23 months. The study therefore was to determine the maternal socio-economic status and its relationship with their complementary feeding practices and nutrition status of children ages 6-23 months in Migori County. This was a cross-sectional study in which 217 child-mother pairs were selected using systematic random sampling. A researcher administered questionnaire, focus group discussion guide and key informants interview guide were used to collect data. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Data on complementary feeding practices was analyzed using Nutri Survey. Data on anthropometry was analyzed using ENA for SMART and WHO 2006 growth standards cut offs was used to determine the nutrition status of children. Majority of the respondents (88.1%) were married, (54.2%) completed primary level of education and subsistent farmers (33.3%). Less than half (32.3%) of children met the minimum acceptable diet. Overall, 28.9% of the children were stunted, 9% underweight and 5.5% wasted. Minimum acceptable diet was associated with maternal level of education, main source of income and average monthly income. Underweight was found to be associated with minimum acceptable diet (p=0.048). The Infant and Young Child Nutrition Behaviour Change Communication approach currently used should emphasize the importance of minimum meal frequency and dietary diversity.
Key words: Complementary Feeding, Socio-economic status, Nutrition status